In New York, Hochul’s reelection bid faces primary challenge and GOP pressure

July 30, 2025

New York Governor Kathy Hochul, the state's first female governor who took office following Andrew Cuomo's resignation in 2021, is now running for a second term amid both Democratic and potential Republican challenges. Hochul faces a primary challenge from Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado while Republican Representative Elise Stefanik is considering entering the race after November. Despite Democrats being favored in blue New York, Hochul's underwater approval ratings (36% wanting her reelection versus 55% preferring "someone else" according to a Siena College poll) suggest the race could be competitive and expensive.

Who is affected

New York voters
Governor Kathy Hochul
Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado
New York Republican voters
Representative Elise Stefanik
Representative Mike Lawler

What action is being taken

Hochul is running for a second term as New York governor
Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado is challenging Hochul in the Democratic primary
Hochul is building a substantial financial war chest, having raised $4 million in the first half of 2025
Representative Elise Stefanik is taking steps toward a potential gubernatorial bid
Rep. Mike Lawler is running for reelection to his House seat instead of challenging for governor

Why it matters

This will be one of 36 governorships up for election in 2026
Hochul's underwater approval ratings (36% wanting reelection versus 55% preferring "someone else") suggest potential vulnerability
The race will likely receive national attention and millions in spending
It represents a test for Democrats in a solidly blue state where Republicans see an opening
The outcome impacts leadership in one of the nation's most populous states

What's next

Elise Stefanik will make a decision about entering the race after November
No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The 19th